Why You Need to See Studio 180’s Production of NSFW

The first time I read the script for NSFW, I couldn’t wait for North American premiere of the UK play. As someone who works in the media, it struck a chord with me. A brief description from the incredible Studio 180 Theatre:

Lucy Kirkwood’s razor sharp comedy pulls back the curtain on digital media and magazine culture, where jobs are scarce, beauty standards are punishing and personal integrity is a luxury that few can afford.Doghouse – a tawdry men’s magazine – traffics in titillation, while Electra – an elegant women’s publication – caters to the notion of empowerment. But their contrasting visions of ideal femininity might just have an equally savage effect. Who will hold on to their values? Who will sell out to the highest bidder? And just how old is that girl in the photo?

Lucy Kirkwood offers a glimpse inside successful male- and female-focused magazines that echo Maxim and Cosmo. Employees are forced to make decisions that compromise their personal morals and ethics, like when an editor at Doghouse suddenly realizes the topless woman in their Local Lovely 2014 winning photo is 14, not 18. An uncomfortable conversation between the girl’s father and the editor-in-chief follows.

NSFW breaks down and pokes fun at the ridiculous lengths these types of consumer magazines will reach to “empower” women, all while photoshopping thigh bulges and tummy rolls to create the perfect image of a woman.

A special performance on Tuesday, November 18 will be followed by a panel discussion called “Writing from Within,” about navigating media and maintaining integrity as a journalist. Some of Toronto’s most badass women in media will be participating and you don’t want to miss it: Janice Neil (as moderator), Septembre Anderson, Jill Andrew, Andrea Houston, Sarah Liss and Sheila Sampath. Tickets for the show this night are only $15 and admission to the panel is free, so even if you can’t manage to make the performance, at least come for the lively discussion.

Studio 180’s production of NSFW will be on from November 7 to 30 at the Theatre Centre downtown Toronto. Find out more about Studio 180 and purchase tickets to a performance here.